Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A biometric authentication apparatus comprising: a memory configured to store a program and registration data; and a processor configured to execute the program to perform a process including acquiring a palm image of a palm of a hand of a user from a capturing device; extracting a boundary candidate, related to line information of the hand, where an open or closed state of the palm changes, to extract a region in a vicinity of the boundary candidate and having a threshold area or greater, wherein the boundary candidate is one of first line information having properties of contour lines of fingers or nails of the hand, located in front of the palm in a state in which the fingers are bent and the palm is closed, and second line information having properties of one of a heart line, a head line, and a life line existing on the palm; extracting a state feature quantity having a value that changes according to a change in the open or closed state of the palm, from the extracted region, wherein the state feature quantity includes one of information indicating differences in biometric features of skin at the palm and at a back of the fingers of the hand when the boundary candidate is the first line information, and information that changes according to an inclination of the palm from a horizontal state or according to a distance between a part of the palm in a range of the region and the capturing device when the boundary candidate is the second line information; judging the open or closed state of the palm using the state feature quantity of the extracted region, wherein the judging judges the closed state of the palm when at least one state feature quantity greater than or equal to a threshold value exists, and judges the open state of the palm when only state feature quantities less than the threshold value exist; and matching the palm image against the registration data registered in advance in the memory when the judging judges the open state of the palm, to verify an identity of the user as the user who registered the registration data in advance, when the palm image and the registration data match.
This invention relates to biometric authentication using palm images to verify user identity. The system addresses challenges in accurately detecting palm state (open or closed) to prevent unauthorized access. The apparatus includes a memory storing registration data and a processor executing a program to capture a palm image from a capturing device. The processor extracts boundary candidates related to hand line information, such as finger contours, nail edges, or palm lines (heart, head, or life lines). It then identifies regions near these boundaries with an area exceeding a threshold. For finger-related boundaries, the system analyzes skin feature differences between the palm and finger back. For palm lines, it assesses palm inclination or distance from the capturing device. These measurements form a state feature quantity that indicates palm openness or closure. The system judges the palm state: if any feature exceeds a threshold, the palm is closed; otherwise, it is open. Only when the palm is open does the system match the captured image against pre-registered data to authenticate the user. This ensures secure verification by confirming the palm is in the correct state before authentication.
2. The biometric authentication apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the extracting the boundary candidate extracts a region surrounded by a plurality of boundary candidates when the plurality of boundary candidates are extracted.
Biometric authentication systems often struggle with accurately identifying and extracting relevant features from biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, due to noise, distortions, or overlapping boundaries. This invention addresses the challenge by improving boundary extraction in biometric authentication apparatuses. The apparatus includes a sensor for capturing biometric data, a processor for analyzing the data, and a memory for storing reference templates. The processor extracts boundary candidates from the biometric data, which are potential edges or contours of the biometric feature. When multiple boundary candidates are detected, the apparatus identifies and extracts a region surrounded by these candidates, ensuring that the relevant biometric feature is accurately isolated. This method enhances the precision of feature extraction, reducing errors caused by incomplete or fragmented boundaries. The extracted region is then used for authentication by comparing it against stored templates. The invention improves the reliability of biometric authentication by ensuring that the extracted features are complete and accurately represent the biometric trait.
3. The biometric authentication apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the state feature quantity further includes line information having components extending perpendicularly to a fingertip direction.
This invention relates to biometric authentication systems, specifically apparatuses that analyze fingerprints for security verification. The core problem addressed is improving the accuracy and robustness of fingerprint recognition by incorporating additional biometric features beyond traditional ridge patterns. The apparatus captures a fingerprint image and extracts multiple state feature quantities to enhance authentication. One key feature is the inclusion of line information derived from components that extend perpendicularly to the fingertip direction. These perpendicular components provide additional structural data about the fingerprint's orientation and spatial relationships, which helps distinguish between genuine and fraudulent inputs. This supplementary information complements traditional ridge and valley patterns, improving the system's ability to detect spoofing attempts or low-quality scans. The apparatus may also incorporate other state feature quantities, such as ridge flow direction, ridge frequency, and minutiae points, to create a comprehensive biometric profile. By analyzing these combined features, the system achieves higher accuracy in matching fingerprints against stored templates. The perpendicular line information is particularly useful for detecting subtle variations in fingerprint structure that might be missed by conventional methods. This approach enhances security in applications like smartphone unlocking, access control, and financial transactions, where reliable biometric verification is critical. The inclusion of perpendicular line components represents an advancement over prior systems that rely solely on traditional fingerprint features.
4. The biometric authentication apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the judging judges that the palm is in the closed state when an absolute value of a difference of state feature quantities within different regions is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, and judges that the palm is in the open state when the absolute value is less than the predetermined threshold value.
This invention relates to biometric authentication systems that use palm recognition, specifically focusing on determining whether a user's palm is in an open or closed state during authentication. The problem addressed is ensuring accurate palm recognition by distinguishing between open and closed palm states, which can affect authentication reliability. The apparatus includes a sensor that captures palm images and extracts state feature quantities from different regions of the palm. These feature quantities are compared to determine the palm's state. If the absolute difference between feature quantities from different regions exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system judges the palm to be closed. If the difference is below the threshold, the palm is judged to be open. This distinction helps prevent authentication errors caused by partial or obscured palm images. The system may also include preprocessing steps to enhance image quality, such as noise reduction or contrast adjustment, before feature extraction. The feature quantities could be derived from texture, shape, or other biometric characteristics. The threshold value is set based on empirical data to ensure reliable state classification. This method improves the robustness of palm-based authentication by dynamically assessing palm state during the recognition process.
5. The biometric authentication apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the judging outputs, to an output device, a message urging the user to open the palm when the judging judges that the palm is in the closed state.
A biometric authentication apparatus is designed to authenticate users based on biometric data, such as palm vein patterns. The apparatus includes a sensor that captures biometric data from a user's palm and a judging unit that determines whether the palm is in an open or closed state. If the judging unit detects that the palm is closed, the apparatus generates and outputs a message to an output device, such as a display or speaker, instructing the user to open their palm. This ensures proper alignment and data capture for accurate authentication. The apparatus may also include a data processing unit that analyzes the captured biometric data to verify the user's identity. The system enhances security by preventing authentication attempts with improper palm positioning, reducing false rejections or acceptances. The apparatus is particularly useful in access control systems, financial transactions, or secure environments where reliable biometric verification is required. The solution addresses the challenge of ensuring correct user interaction with biometric sensors to improve authentication accuracy and user experience.
6. The biometric authentication apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the process further includes acquiring attribute information of the user, used to verify the identity of the user, at a time of registration when the registration data of the biometric information is registered, or at a time of authentication when the user is authenticated.
A biometric authentication apparatus is designed to verify user identity using biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or other unique physiological traits. The apparatus addresses the challenge of securely and accurately authenticating users in various applications, such as access control, financial transactions, or device security, by leveraging unique biological characteristics that are difficult to replicate. The apparatus includes a registration process where biometric data is captured and stored as reference data for future authentication. Additionally, the apparatus acquires attribute information of the user during registration or authentication. This attribute information may include demographic details, behavioral patterns, or other identifying data that supplements the biometric verification process. By collecting this information at either the registration stage or during authentication, the system enhances security by cross-referencing multiple data points to confirm identity. This dual-layer approach reduces the risk of false positives or spoofing attacks, ensuring more reliable authentication. The apparatus may also include features for real-time verification, where the captured biometric data is compared against the stored reference data, and the attribute information is used to further validate the user's identity. This combination of biometric and attribute-based verification provides a robust solution for secure authentication in various environments.
7. A biometric authentication method comprising: acquiring, by a capturing device, a palm image of a palm of a hand of a user; extracting, by a computer, a boundary candidate, related to line information of the hand, where an open or closed state of the palm changes, to extract a region in a vicinity of the boundary candidate and having a threshold area or greater, wherein the boundary candidate is one of first line information having properties of contour lines of fingers or nails of the hand, located in front of the palm in a state in which the fingers are bent and the palm is closed, and second line information having properties of one of a heart line, a head line, and a life line existing on the palm; extracting, by the computer, a state feature quantity having a value that changes according to a change in the open or closed state of the palm, from the extracted region, wherein the state feature quantity includes one of information indicating differences in biometric features of skin at the palm and at a back of the fingers of the hand when the boundary candidate is the first line information, and information that changes according to an inclination of the palm from a horizontal state or according to a distance between a part of the palm in a range of the region and the capturing device when the boundary candidate is the second line information; judging, by the computer, the open or closed state of the palm using the state feature quantity of the extracted region, wherein the judging judges the closed state of the palm when at least one state feature quantity greater than or equal to a threshold value exists, and judges the open state of the palm when only state feature quantities less than the threshold value exist; and matching, by the computer, the palm image against registration data registered in advance in a memory when the judging judges the open state of the palm, to verify an identity of the user as the user who registered the registration data in advance, when the palm image and the registration data match.
This invention relates to biometric authentication using palm images to verify user identity. The method addresses challenges in distinguishing between open and closed palm states during authentication, ensuring accurate biometric matching. A capturing device acquires a palm image of a user's hand. A computer processes the image to extract boundary candidates related to line information where the palm's open or closed state changes. These boundaries may include contour lines of fingers or nails (first line information) when the palm is closed, or palm lines like the heart, head, or life line (second line information). The computer then extracts a state feature quantity from the region near the boundary candidate, which changes based on the palm's state. For first line information, this includes differences in skin biometric features between the palm and finger back. For second line information, it includes changes in palm inclination or distance from the capturing device. The computer judges the palm state by comparing the feature quantity to a threshold: if any value meets or exceeds the threshold, the palm is closed; otherwise, it is open. When the palm is open, the system matches the image against pre-registered data to verify the user's identity. This method improves authentication reliability by dynamically assessing palm state before biometric matching.
8. The biometric authentication method as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the extracting the boundary candidate extracts a region surrounded by a plurality of boundary candidates when the plurality of boundary candidates are extracted.
Biometric authentication systems often struggle with accurately identifying and extracting relevant features from biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, due to noise, distortions, or partial occlusions. This invention addresses the challenge by improving the extraction of boundary candidates in biometric authentication processes. The method involves analyzing biometric data to identify multiple boundary candidates, which are potential edges or contours within the biometric sample. When multiple boundary candidates are detected, the method extracts a region surrounded by these candidates, effectively isolating the relevant biometric feature from surrounding noise or irrelevant data. This ensures more accurate and reliable authentication by focusing on the most distinct and meaningful parts of the biometric sample. The technique enhances the robustness of biometric systems by reducing false positives and improving recognition accuracy, particularly in scenarios where the biometric data is partially obscured or distorted. The method is applicable to various biometric modalities, including fingerprint, facial, and iris recognition, and can be integrated into existing authentication systems to improve performance.
9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored therein a program for causing a computer to execute a process comprising: acquiring a palm image of a palm of a hand of a user from a capturing device; extracting a boundary candidate, related to line information of the hand, where an open or closed state of the palm changes, to extract a region in a vicinity of the boundary candidate and having a threshold area or greater, wherein the boundary candidate is one of first line information having properties of contour lines of fingers or nails of the hand, located in front of the palm in a state in which the fingers are bent and the palm is closed, and second line information having properties of one of a heart line, a head line, and a life line existing on the palm; extracting a state feature quantity having a value that changes according to a change in the open or closed state of the palm, from the extracted region, wherein the state feature quantity includes one of information indicating differences in biometric features of skin at the palm and at a back of the fingers of the hand when the boundary candidate is the first line information, and information that changes according to an inclination of the palm from a horizontal state or according to a distance between a part of the palm in a range of the region and the capturing device when the boundary candidate is the second line information; judging the open or closed state of the palm using the state feature quantity of the extracted region, wherein the judging judges the closed state of the palm when at least one state feature quantity greater than or equal to a threshold value exists, and judges the open state of the palm when only state feature quantities less than the threshold value exist; and matching the palm image against registration data registered in advance in a memory when the judging judges the open state of the palm, to verify an identity of the user as the user who registered the registration data in advance, when the palm image and the registration data match.
This invention relates to a biometric authentication system that uses palm images to verify user identity. The system addresses the challenge of accurately detecting the open or closed state of a user's palm to ensure reliable authentication. The process begins by capturing a palm image using a camera or other imaging device. The system then analyzes the image to identify boundary candidates, which are lines indicating transitions between open and closed palm states. These boundaries can be either contour lines of fingers or nails (when the palm is closed) or palm lines such as the heart, head, or life lines (when the palm is open). The system extracts regions near these boundaries that meet a minimum area threshold and computes state feature quantities that change based on the palm's open or closed state. For finger/nail contours, these features may include differences in skin biometrics between the palm and finger back. For palm lines, features may include palm inclination or distance from the imaging device. The system then evaluates these features to determine if the palm is open or closed. If the palm is open, the system compares the image against pre-registered data to authenticate the user. This approach ensures accurate state detection and secure identity verification.
10. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the extracting the boundary candidate extracts a region surrounded by a plurality of boundary candidates when the plurality of boundary candidates are extracted.
This invention relates to computer vision and image processing, specifically for extracting regions of interest from images based on boundary detection. The problem addressed is accurately identifying and isolating regions within an image that are enclosed by detected boundaries, which is useful in applications like object segmentation, medical imaging, and autonomous navigation. The invention involves a method for processing an image to extract a region surrounded by multiple boundary candidates. Boundary candidates are initially detected within the image, representing potential edges or contours. When multiple boundary candidates are identified, the system extracts a region that is enclosed by these boundaries. This ensures that the extracted region corresponds to a distinct, closed area within the image, improving accuracy in segmentation tasks. The process may involve analyzing the spatial relationships between boundary candidates to determine which ones form a coherent enclosure. For example, if multiple boundary segments are detected in a way that they collectively surround a contiguous area, that area is extracted as the region of interest. This approach helps avoid partial or incomplete extractions, which can occur when boundaries are fragmented or incomplete. The invention is implemented using a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing instructions for performing the boundary extraction and region isolation steps. This ensures reproducibility and scalability across different computing environments. The method is particularly useful in applications requiring precise region segmentation, such as medical image analysis, where accurate boundary detection is critical for diagnosis.
11. The biometric authentication method as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the judging outputs, to an output device, a message urging the user to open the palm when the judging judges that the palm is in the closed state.
Biometric authentication systems often struggle with accurate recognition when a user's palm is closed, leading to authentication failures. This invention addresses this issue by enhancing a biometric authentication method to detect whether a user's palm is open or closed during the authentication process. The method involves capturing an image of the user's palm using an imaging device, such as a camera or scanner, and analyzing the image to determine the palm's state. If the palm is detected as closed, the system outputs a message to an output device, such as a display or speaker, instructing the user to open their palm. This ensures proper alignment and visibility of biometric features, improving authentication accuracy. The method may also include preprocessing the captured image to enhance clarity and applying pattern recognition techniques to distinguish between open and closed palm states. By providing real-time feedback, the system reduces authentication errors and improves user experience.
12. The biometric authentication method as claimed in claim 7 , further comprising: acquiring, by the computer, attribute information of the user, used to verify the identity of the user, at a time of registration when the registration data of the biometric information is registered, or at a time of authentication when the user is authenticated.
This invention relates to biometric authentication systems, specifically improving identity verification by incorporating additional attribute information. The problem addressed is the potential for false positives or security breaches in biometric authentication when relying solely on biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, which may be spoofed or compromised. The method involves a computer system that acquires attribute information of a user during two key phases: registration and authentication. During registration, when the user's biometric data is initially stored, the system also captures additional attribute information, such as demographic details, behavioral patterns, or device-specific data. This attribute information is used to enhance the verification process. During authentication, when the user attempts to access a system or service, the computer system again collects attribute information and compares it against the stored data to confirm the user's identity. This dual-layer verification reduces the risk of unauthorized access by ensuring that both biometric and attribute data match the registered profile. The attribute information may include dynamic or static data, such as location, time of access, or device identifiers, providing an additional security layer beyond traditional biometric checks. This approach improves the reliability and security of biometric authentication systems by cross-referencing multiple data points.
13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the judging outputs, to an output device, a message urging the user to open the palm when the judging judges that the palm is in the closed state.
This invention relates to a system for detecting and responding to the state of a user's palm, particularly in applications where hand gestures are used for interaction with electronic devices. The system addresses the problem of accurately determining whether a user's palm is open or closed, which is critical for gesture-based interfaces to function correctly. The system includes a sensor configured to capture data representing the state of the user's palm, such as images or other sensor readings. A processing unit analyzes this data to determine whether the palm is open or closed. If the palm is detected to be in a closed state, the system generates and outputs a message to an output device, such as a display or speaker, urging the user to open their palm. This feedback mechanism helps ensure proper interaction with the device, improving usability in gesture-controlled applications. The system may also include additional components, such as a communication interface for transmitting the palm state data or a storage medium for storing the analysis results. The invention is particularly useful in environments where precise hand gesture recognition is required, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, or touchless control systems.
14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium as claimed in claim 9 , the process further comprising: acquiring attribute information of the user, used to verify the identity of the user, at a time of registration when the registration data of the biometric information is registered, or at a time of authentication when the user is authenticated.
This invention relates to biometric authentication systems, specifically improving identity verification by acquiring and using attribute information of a user. The problem addressed is the need for more robust and flexible identity verification in biometric authentication processes, ensuring security and accuracy during both registration and authentication phases. The system involves a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for a biometric authentication process. During registration, the system captures biometric data (e.g., fingerprint, facial recognition) and associates it with the user's account. Additionally, at registration or during subsequent authentication, the system acquires attribute information of the user, such as demographic details, device identifiers, or behavioral patterns, to verify identity. This attribute information supplements biometric data, enhancing verification accuracy and reducing false positives or negatives. The process may include comparing the acquired attribute information against stored data to confirm consistency with the registered user profile. For example, if a user's device location or usage patterns deviate significantly from historical data, the system may flag potential fraud. The system dynamically adjusts authentication requirements based on risk assessment, balancing security and user convenience. This approach improves security by adding an additional layer of verification beyond biometric data alone, making it harder for unauthorized users to bypass authentication. It also adapts to different security contexts, such as high-risk transactions or suspicious activity, by dynamically incorporating attribute checks. The solution is applicable in financial services, access control, and other sect
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January 7, 2020
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